September 9, 2023
World Leaders sign the "G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration"
Photo: Prime Minister Modi in a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Italy, Ms. Giorgia Meloni, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 09, 2023.
Photo: Prime Minister Modi’s remarks at G20 Summit on ‘One Family’ at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on September 09, 2023.
Photo: International Media persons preparing for the G20 Summit at the International Media Centre (Bharat Mandapam) in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on September 09, 2023.
Photo: Prime Minister Modi receives world leaders at G20 Summit, in Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), New Delhi on September 09, 2023.
Photo: Glimpse of Craft exhibition at Bharat Mandapam during G20 Summit, in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on September 09, 2023.
New Delhi, September 09, 2023 — The G20 Summit was held in New Delhi. As the current G20 president, India welcomed world leaders from across the globe. Prime Minister Modi emphasized our shared responsibility to make the world a better place and called for a more human-centric approach to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
He invited the world to work together to transform the global trust deficit into worldwide trust and confidence. These challenges include a turbulent global economy, the North-South divide, terrorism, cybersecurity, and ensuring health, energy, and water security.
India’s G-20 presidency symbolizes inclusivity, with over 200 meetings nationwide in more than 60 cities. In his welcome address, Prime Minister Modi concluded by urging everyone to collaborate and make the world a better place.
The leaders agreed and signed the “New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration” during the meeting. Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to all G20 members for their support and cooperation in achieving this significant milestone, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving common goals.
The fact that the G20 members reached a consensus demonstrates their collective commitment to building a more prosperous, harmonious, and sustainable future for all.
Source: G20 India
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#WATCH | G 20 in India | U.S. State Department’s Hindustani Spokesperson, Margaret MacLeod says, "As you saw in the joint statement, India and the US are cooperating on a large scale. These include Critical and Emerging Technologies & Information and Communications technology. We… pic.twitter.com/l0NAPTv6RH
— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2023
Productive discussions at the G20 Summit for a better planet… pic.twitter.com/rNSOOHpB5L
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023
Charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress. As history unfolds, may this corridor be a testament to human endeavour and unity across continents. pic.twitter.com/vYBNo2oa5W
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2023
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:23 PM | View the original post
September 8, 2023
World Leaders arrive in New Delhi for the G20 Summit.
Photo: Prime Minister Modi in a bilateral meeting with the President of the United States, Mr. Joe Biden, in New Delhi on September 08, 2023.
Photo: The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, arrives for the G20 Summit at Palam Airforce Airport in New Delhi on September 08, 2023.
Photo: The Prime Minister of Italy, Ms. Giorgia Meloni, receives a warm welcome from the Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Smt. Shobha Karandlaje on her arrival for the G20 Summit at Palam Airforce Airport in New Delhi on September 08, 2023.
Photo: The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, arrives at IGI Airport Terminal-3 on the upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 07, 2023.
Photo: The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. Rishi Sunak, and the First Lady of the United Kingdom, Ms. Akshata Murty, receive a warm welcome from the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey on their arrival for the G20 Summit at Palam Airforce Airport, in New Delhi on September 08, 2023.
New Delhi, September 08, 2023 — The G20 Summit in New Delhi welcomed world leaders from various countries, including the President of the United States, Joe Biden. The summit also saw the arrival of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, and the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva. The Indian hosts warmly welcomed the leaders upon their arrival at the airport. The summit provides a platform for these leaders to discuss critical global issues and find constructive solutions to address them. The bilateral meeting between Modi and Biden was particularly significant, and the discussions between the two leaders would positively impact the relationship between India and the US. The arrival of the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, also added to the summit’s diversity and provided an opportunity for fruitful discussions. Overall, the G20 Summit in New Delhi is a constructive and significant event that brings together world leaders to address pressing global issues.
Source: G20 India
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:54 PM | View the original post
G20 Summit: Delhi Metro Tourist Smart Cards for Exploring the Capital City
Photo: Delhi Metro Tourist Smart Cards for Exploring the Capital City.
New Delhi, India, September 08, 2023 — Starting September 4, 2023, Delhi Metro is offering ‘Tourist Smart Cards’ to G-20 delegates and international visitors who want to explore Delhi’s popular tourist places. These cards are available ten days from selected Metro stations, where dedicated counters are set up for sale.
The Tourist Smart Cards come in two categories: One-Day and Three-Day Validity. They offer unlimited rides in the Metro network, allowing tourists to travel seamlessly in the entire network from the first train to the last train service available for the day. The One-day validity Tourist Smart Card costs Rs. 200/-, while the three-day validity card costs Rs. 500/-, which includes a refundable security deposit of Rs. 50/-.
Tourist Smart Cards are available at all Metro stations across the network. The cards benefit tourists greatly as the Metro levies no penalties or surcharges in case of entry/exit mismatch, overstay in the system, or overstepping.
Delhi Metro is India’s largest Metro network and one of the largest in the world. It is well connected to almost all the prominent tourist destinations in the city, including Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Akshardham Temple, and Kalkaji Temple. Tourists can travel seamlessly to these places using these cards on various corridors of the Delhi Metro. To plan their journeys, tourists can download the ‘Delhi Metro Rail’ app, which includes a dedicated Tour Guide section on the home page with a list of all stations and nearby tourist places.
• Delhi Metro Stations with dedicated Tourist Smart Card Counters:
- Kashmere Gate
- Chandni Chowk
- Chawri Bazar
- New Delhi
- Rajiv Chowk
- Patel Chowk
- Central Secretariat
- Udyog Bhawan
- Lok Kalyan Marg
- Jor Bagh
- Dilli haat - INA
- Lal Quila
- Jama Masjid
- Delhi Gate
- ITO
- Mandi House
- Janpath
- Khan Market
- JLN Stadium
- Jangpura
- Lajpat Nagar
- Barakhamba Road
- Ramakrishana Ashram Marg
- Jhandewalan
- Supreme Court
- Indraprastha
- South Extension
- Sarojini Nagar
- Chhatarpur
- Qutub Minar
- Hauz Khas
- Nehru Place
- Kalkaji Mandir
- Akshardham
- Terminal 1 IGI Airport
- Karol Bagh
Source: G20 India
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Get a sneak peek into the delegation offices at the #G20 Summit!
— G20 India (@g20org) September 7, 2023
Here’s an exclusive preview by #G20India Chief Coordinator @harshvshringla. pic.twitter.com/r1s3WGPdS2
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:28 AM | View the original post
September 7, 2023
The Government of El Salvador presented a Painting, "City Life in Motion," to the United Nations.
Photos: Egriselda Aracely González López (left), Permanent Representative of El Salvador to the United Nations, presents a painting to Secretary-General António Guterres. The painting, a gift to the United Nations from the Government of El Salvador, is made by artist Gerardo Gómez and entitled “Vida en la Ciudad en Movimiento” (City Life in Motion). August 30. 2023. New York. United States of America. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe.
Source: United Nations
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:47 AM | View the original post
August 28, 2023
UNESCO IIEP announces Six Priority Areas
To mark its 60th anniversary, UNESCO IIEP (UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning) presents six key thematic areas for planning education for a stronger, more equitable future.
Paris, France, August 28, 2023 — As UNESCO IIEP (UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning) celebrates its 60th anniversary, it has presented six crucial areas for education planning that will pave the way for a stronger, more equitable future.
The first area focuses on improving learning outcomes for students, ensuring that they receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the future.
The second area emphasizes the importance of equity and inclusion, aiming to create a level playing field for all students, regardless of their background.
The third area highlights the need to enhance digital technology in education, recognizing technology’s pivotal role in modern-day learning.
The fourth area focuses on planning for crises and natural hazards, ensuring schools are well-equipped to handle emergencies and disruptions.
The fifth area emphasizes the importance of planning for skills and work transition, recognizing that the job market is constantly changing, and students must prepare for future challenges.
Finally, the sixth area focuses on promoting good governance and transparency in educational management and financing, ensuring that governments allocate resources effectively and efficiently to benefit students and educators.
Many factors affect education, from technological advancements to conflict and climate change. To ensure effective policy planning and implementation, education planners and managers must stay up-to-date with new approaches and tools and constantly update their practices.
UNESCO IIEP is a learning institute that stays abreast of new trends and contributes to how planning evolves. It helps countries achieve their education goals by using an integrated approach to capacity development and providing findings and experiences from its research and development, training, and technical cooperation.
UNESCO IIEP recognizes that using and managing data for planning is critical for education systems to be inclusive, transparent, resilient, flexible, and oriented to student learning.
UNESCO IIEP (UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning) is an arm of UNESCO created in 1963 in Paris, France. It develops the capacities of education actors to plan and manage their education systems through training, technical assistance, policy research, and knowledge-sharing programs. It also issues country-specific information for use by local educational administrations, such as, for example:
The report “Funding Mechanism of Thrust Areas of Higher Education in India” is jointly published by UNESCO IIEP and UGC (University Grants Commission), India.
UNESCO IIEP published the report External Quality Assurance in Indian Higher Education: Case Study of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
Source: UNESCO IIEP
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— The editor is a “UNESCO IIEP Certified Higher Education Consultant.”
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:46 AM | View the original post
July 25, 2023
International Monetary Fund (IMF) updates its World Economic Outlook.
Washington, DC, July 25, 2023 — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced in a press briefing on July 25, 2023, that the global economy is gradually recovering from the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The briefing marked the release of July’s update of the World Economic Outlook report.
According to the IMF’s baseline forecast, global growth will slow from 3.5% in 2022 to 3.0% this year and the next. However, this is an upgrade of 0.2 percentage points for 2023 from the IMF’s April projections.
IMF’s Chief Economist, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, stated that global economic activity has been resilient in the first quarter of this year, resulting in a modest upward revision for global growth in 2023. Although some positive changes have occurred since April, such as the recovery of supply chains and the decrease in COVID-19 cases, inflation remains high, and monetary policy tightening has raised borrowing costs, constraining economic activity. Gourinchas expressed concern about medium-term growth prospects and declining household purchasing power.
While some adverse risks have moderated, the balance remains tilted to the downside. Gourinchas highlighted that the main policy priority now is to conquer inflation. Central banks in economies with elevated and persistent core inflation should continue to signal their commitment to reducing inflation. Fiscal policy should tighten to rebuild fiscal buffers and reinforce the overall credibility of disinflation strategies, with targeted support for the most vulnerable.
Improvements to the economy’s supply side would facilitate fiscal consolidation and a smoother inflation decline toward target levels. Gourinchas urged urgent action to strengthen global cooperation on climate policies, international trade, or debt restructuring to address common challenges. The outlook has improved since April, but the balance of risks remains tilted downward, IMF concluded.
Source: IMF
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— The Editor is a Financial Market Analyst with IMF Academic Certification.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:41 PM | View the original post
July 24, 2023
India has 40 Sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Photo: The Taj Mahal, Agra, India. The Taj Mahal was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1983. Image Credit: Otis Yang.
New Delhi, July 24, 2023 — India currently has 40 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Additionally, there are 52 sites on the UNESCO Tentative List, with six sites added in 2022.
It is a prerequisite for any property to be included in the Tentative List before UNESCO can consider it for World Heritage Site status. The Tentative List is continuously augmented. According to the UNESCO Operational Guidelines in 2021, a country can nominate only one cultural or natural property annually for the inscription process.
Furthermore, the inclusion of any site requires meeting the criteria of authenticity and integrity and providing justification for its Outstanding Universal Value.
Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Development, G Kishan Reddy, provided this information in the Lok Sabha today.
Source: Ministry of Culture, Government of India
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:56 AM | View the original post
July 18, 2023
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva Urges G20 Leadership to Strengthen the Global Financial Safety Net
Photo: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva addresses the G20 Central Bank Governors Meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, on July 18, 2023. (Image provided by Ministry of Finance, Government of India.)
Photo: IMF G20 Chart on Global Inflation.
Gandhinagar, India. July 18, 2023 — Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, thanked the Indian government for their hospitality and praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Central Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das for their leadership during the G20 meeting in Gandhinagar, India.
Georgieva discussed the global economy’s resilience despite recent shocks and rising interest rates but noted that medium-term growth prospects remain weak and economic disparities across countries are a concern.
She called for G20 leaders to take domestic and international policy action to move the global economy onto a more vibrant medium-term path, emphasizing the need to durably bring inflation down, rebuild fiscal buffers, and implement growth-enhancing reforms.
She said that our world is wealthier than when the current international financial architecture was established, but it’s also more fragile. The global economy is resilient, but this resilience isn’t distributed evenly.
The IMF Chief concluded that we could achieve a more vibrant and inclusive future by implementing domestic policy actions to improve growth prospects and international action to support vulnerable members of our global community.
Source: IMF
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— The Editor holds IMF’s Academic Certification in Financial Market Analysis, an exceptional credential.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:16 PM | View the original post
July 17, 2023
G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meetings take place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, July 17, 2023 — The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings are taking place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, on July 17-18, 2023.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister, and Dr. Shaktikanta Das, the Reserve Bank of India Governor, are chairing the meetings.
Participants include Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from G20 members, guest countries, and heads of International Organizations such as IMF, World Bank, and WTO.
The meetings are organized into five thematic sessions:
- Global Economy and Global Health
- Sustainable Finance and Infrastructure
- International Financial Architecture
- International Taxation
- Financial Sector & Financial Inclusion
G20 India will organize a special cultural program called Ratri Bhoj Par Samvad for the delegates of the G20 summit.
The organizers have also planned excursions to the vibrant state of Gujarat for the delegates on July 19, 2023, which include guided tours of Ahmedabad City, Patan and Modhera, and the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat.
Source: Ministry of Finance, Government of India
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Very inspiring click, highlighting the critical role women play in shaping our world's future. https://t.co/h0A2jlbxO9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 17, 2023
Governor Shri @DasShaktikanta met with Dr. Thomas Jordan, Chairman, Governing Board, Swiss National Bank (@SNB_BNS), in the presence of RBI Deputy Governor Dr. M.D. Patra in #Gandhinagar during the #G20summit. #RBI #RBIGovernor #G20 #G20India #G20Summit #FMCGB @g20org pic.twitter.com/nFNCrZ0Sf7
— ReserveBankOfIndia (@RBI) July 16, 2023
Governor @DasShaktikanta and Mr. Ajay Banga, President, @WorldBank met at #Gandhinagar on the sidelines of G20 FMCBG and held discussions on a range of issues. #RBI #RBIGovernor #RBItoday #WorldBank #G20 #G20India #FMCGB #G20FMCBG pic.twitter.com/w1jWaXZmwu
— ReserveBankOfIndia (@RBI) July 17, 2023
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:56 AM | View the original post
The United States becomes the 194th Member State of UNESCO
Paris, France, July 15, 2023 — The United States officially became the 194th Member State of UNESCO after accepting the Constitution of the United Nations Education, Culture, and Science (UNESCO) on July 10.
The Secretary of State of the United States, on behalf of the country, signed the United States Document of Acceptance to the UNESCO Constitution and deposited it with the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the depositary of UNESCO’s Constitution.
“The return of the United States to UNESCO is complete: it has officially become a Member State of our Organization once again. It is excellent news for UNESCO. The momentum we have regained in recent years will now continue to grow. Our initiatives will be stronger worldwide,” said Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General.
The United States had cited the successful modernization of the organization, its management reforms, mediation efforts, and new initiatives to tackle contemporary challenges as reasons for rejoining.
Source: UNESCO
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:10 AM | View the original post
July 16, 2023
UNESCO Member States agree on the Revised Recommendation for Education after an Intergovernmental Special Committee Meeting.
Photos: UNESCO Intergovernmental Special Committee meeting on Education. July 10, 2023. UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France. Images provided by & copyright © UNESCO / Lily CHAVANCE.
Paris, France, July 15, 2023 — UNESCO Member States have agreed on a revised version of the 1974 Recommendation on Education for international understanding, cooperation, peace, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. The document provides a roadmap for Education in the 21st century to promote global citizenship and sustainable development in the face of current threats and challenges. The revised text updates guidance and introduces new concepts like gender equality, global citizenship education, Education for sustainable development, lifelong and life-wide learning, and digital competencies.
The Recommendation underwent a thorough revision process that involved 3000+ experts from 130+ countries, including educators, NGOs, academics, youth, intergovernmental and UN organizations, and individual experts.
Ms. Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director General of Education, stated that during the revision process, Member States collaborated and showed commitment. The revised Recommendation promises to provide learners worldwide with the knowledge and tools they need to become enlightened citizens, capable of grasping opportunities and addressing the challenges of our time with respect for others and values of peace, coexistence, and cooperation.
The UNESCO Intergovernmental Special Committee on Education revised the text after two meetings in May-June and July 2023. The seven-day discussions involved over 200 delegates from 112 countries and 50 observers.
UNESCO Administration will present the Recommendation to the UNESCO General Conference for adoption. After adoption, UNESCO and Member States will produce and publish the Implementation Guide.
Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), represented India in these UNESCO Inter-Governmental Special Committee deliberations at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
Source: UNESCO
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— The Editor is a Higher Education Planning Consultant with UNESCO IIEP Credentials.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:22 PM | View the original post
July 14, 2023
WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation) Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, is attended by all 193 Member States.
Photos: Delegates at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2023. The Assemblies of WIPO Member States Meetings are taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 6 to 14, 2023. Images provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographers: Violaine Martin, Emmanuel Berrod.
Geneva, Switzerland, July 14, 2023 — It was a significant event for all 193 Member States of WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) as they participated in the WIPO Conference held from July 6 to 14, 2023, in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference discussed the future of the global intellectual property (IP) ecosystem and WIPO’s activities in promoting all countries’ economic, social, and cultural development. The Assembly saw the attendance of hundreds of delegates, who also had the opportunity to engage in various information-sharing and cultural activities.
• The following officials represented INDE / INDIA:
- Indra Mani PANDEY (Mr.), Ambassador, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Priyanka CHAUHAN (Ms.), Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Unnat P. PANDIT (Mr.), Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mumbai.
- Rajesh SHARMA (Mr.), Counsellor, Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Kalyan REVELLA (Mr.), Deputy Secretary, Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mumbai.
- Pinkesh Kailashchandra JAIN (Mr.), Joint Controller of Patents and Designs, Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mumbai.
- Anoop Kunnathuparambil JOY (Mr.), Joint Controller of Patents and Designs, Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mumbai.
- Sukhdeep SINGH (Mr.), Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs, Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi.
- Clitty SHAJU (Ms.), Deputy Registrar of Trademarks and Geographical Indications, Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks, and Geographical Indications, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Mumbai.
- Karan THAPAR (Mr.), Director, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi.
- Garima PAUL (Ms.), First Secretary, Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Himani PANDEY (Ms.), Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi.
• The following officials represented ÉTATS-UNIS D’AMÉRIQUE / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
- Bathsheba CROCKER (Ms.), Ambassador, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Benjamin MOELING (Mr.), Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Kathi VIDAL (Ms.), Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, Director, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), United States Department of Commerce, Virginia.
- Mary CRITHARIS (Ms.), Chief Policy Officer, Director for International Affairs, Office of Policy and International Affairs, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), United States Department of Commerce, Alexandria.
- Shirin BIDEL-NIYAT (Ms.), Chief of Staff, Office of the Under Secretary, Director, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), United States Department of Commerce, Alexandria.
- Chelsea COWAN (Ms.), Program Analyst, Office of Management Policy and Resources, Bureau for International Organization Affairs, United States Department of State, Washington, D.C.
- Ioana DIFIORE (Ms.), Senior Adviser, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, Office of Intellectual Property Enforcement, United States Department of State, Washington, D.C.
- Tarek FAHMY (Mr.), Director, Office of Intellectual Property Enforcement, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, United States Department of State, Washington, D.C.
- Yasmine FULENA (Ms.), Intellectual Property Advisor, Multilateral Economic and Political Affairs (MEPA), Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- David GERK (Mr.), Principal Counsel and Director for Patent Policy, Office of Policy and International Affairs, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), United States Department of Commerce, Alexandria.
- Khashayar GHASHGHAI (Mr.), Acting Minister Counsellor, Multilateral Economic and Political Affairs (MEPA), Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- William GOODYEAR (Mr.), Political Associate, Multilateral Economic and Political Affairs (MEPA), Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Bettina GORCZYNSKI (Mr.), Trade and Governance Team Lead, Multilateral Economic and Political Affairs (MEPA), Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Laura HAMMEL (Ms.), Senior Attorney-Advisor, Office of Policy and International Affairs, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), United States Department of Commerce, Alexandria.
- Jeffrey HAY (Mr.), Peace and Security Chief, Multilateral Economic and Political Affairs (MEPA), Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Carrie LACROSSE (Ms.), International Relations Officer, Office of Specialized and Technical Agencies, Bureau of International Organizations, United States Department of State, Washington, D.C.
- Marina LAMM (Ms.), Intellectual Property Attaché, Multilateral Economic and Political Affairs (MEPA), Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Hollie MANCE (Ms.), Programme Analyst, Office of Management Policy and Resources, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, United States Department of State, Falls Church.
- Reena PATEL (Ms.), Economic Officer, Multilateral Economic and Political Affairs (MEPA), Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Catherine PETERS (Ms.), Attorney Advisor, Legal Affairs Office, Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Shira PERLMUTTER (Ms.), Register of Copyrights, Director, United States Copyright Office, Washington, D.C.
- Maria STRONG (Ms.), Associate Register of Copyrights, Director of Policy and International Affairs, United States Copyright Office, Washington, D.C.
- Charles TRUMBULL (Mr.), Deputy Legal Advisor, Legal Affairs Office, Permanent Mission, Geneva.
- Grace RAMDAT (Ms.), Strategic Planning Program Manager, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), United States Department of Commerce, Alexandria.
The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. WIPO has several external offices located across the globe, including Algiers (Algeria), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Beijing (China), Tokyo (Japan), Abuja (Nigeria), Moscow (Russia), and Singapore (Singapore).
Source: WIPO
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— The Editor is an Alumnus of WIPO Academy, Geneva.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:25 AM | View the original post
July 8, 2023
Ahmedabad hosts Urban 20 (U20) Mayoral Summit.
— Over 400 delegates attend the Urban 20 (U20) Mayoral Summit in Gandhinagar Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad, July 07, 2023 — Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, launched the Urban 20 (U20) Mayoral Summit in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, with more than 400 delegates in attendance.
Bhupendrabhai opened the event by highlighting the state’s rich history of urbanization and the forward-looking initiatives to promote green development.
Ahmedabad, chairing the sixth U20 cycle, brought together over 140 foreign city leaders and more than 70 national and international mayors to address challenges in achieving sustainable urban development. Manoj Joshi, Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, emphasized the need for building capacities and adequate finances to deal with the impact of climate change.
The Mayor of Ahmedabad, Kiritkumar Parmar, stressed the need for an action-oriented agenda to ensure sustainable and equitable urban development.
Leading executives from the global convenors of U20, UCLG (United Cities and Local Governments), and C40 Cities also addressed the Summit. Ms. Emilia Saiz Carrancedo, Secretary General of UCLG, said that U20 deliberations give hope to cities, national governments, and G20. “U20 is not only a summit; it is a process that leads to transformation”, she said. Dr. Kevin Austin, Deputy Executive Director of C40 Cities, complemented the actions taken by Indian cities for climate and clean air and stressed that the world cannot solve the climate crisis without cities’ proactive participation.
The Ahmedabad Climate Action Plan was launched during the Summit, aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and addressing challenges such as rising urban heat, flooding, and natural resource scarcity.
The Summit also saw the participation of over one hundred Indian delegates from more than thirty cities.
Source: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:15 AM | View the original post
July 6, 2023
UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (UNESCO IIEP) celebrates its 60th Anniversary as UNESCO presents Outcome Documents at the G20 Education Ministers Meeting in India
Paris, France, July 05, 2023 — The UNESCO IIEP (UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning) in Paris, celebrating its 60th Anniversary, has highlighted six essential areas for enhancing education to build a brighter future.
- Equity and inclusion
- Improving learning
- Good governance
- Digital technology
- Crises and climate change
- Skills for work
As educational policies continue to evolve, planners and managers must stay abreast of new tools and trends. UNESCO IIEP is dedicated to this cause, providing capacity development and conducting research to support planning evolution. The organization focuses on data management and dialogue and is committed to helping countries achieve their educational goals.
Meanwhile, the G20 Education Working Group gathered from June 19 to June 22, 2023, for their fourth and final meeting in Pune, India. Education Ministers from G20 and invited countries unanimously endorsed a report and compendium of programs and policies. UNESCO collaborated closely with the G20 Indian Presidency to draft and produce these documents and welcomed their adoption.
The G20 outcome documents prioritize four themes:
- Foundational literacy
- Digital technology
- Relevance to work
- Higher education collaboration
In addition, the G20 Education Working Group Report introduces five keys to unlocking inclusive, qualitative, collaborative tech-enabled learning through the 5 C’s framework:
- Coordination and leadership
- Content and curriculum
- Connectivity and infrastructure
- Capacity and culture
- Cost and sustainability
The G20 documents highlight the crucial role of higher education in solving global challenges.
The UNESCO representative expressed gratitude to Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of India, and all the representatives of G20 countries for their valuable contributions in creating the output documents. These documents will act as a source of inspiration and guidance for education systems globally.
Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives, promote peace, eradicate poverty, and drive sustainable development. At the forefront of this mission is UNESCO, committed to advancing the universal right to education. As the only UN institution dedicated to education, UNESCO leads the Global Education 2030 Agenda by developing educational systems worldwide and tackling contemporary global concerns.
• The UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (UNESCO IIEP) in Paris provides training, technical assistance, policy research, and information sharing to enhance educational policy, planning, and administration. Its main goal is to assist countries in managing their education systems more efficiently and help them achieve the targets of the Global Education 2030 Agenda set by global leaders.
Sources: UNESCO, G20
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— The editor is a “UNESCO IIEP Certified Higher Education Consultant.”
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:54 AM | View the original post
July 1, 2023
The United States of America rejoins UNESCO.
UNESCO’s 193 Member States, meeting for an Extraordinary Session of the General Conference on Friday, voted by a vast majority to approve the proposal submitted by the United States to rejoin the Organization.
With this return, UNESCO will be in an even stronger position to carry out its Mandate — UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
Photos: 5th extraordinary session of the General Conference of UNESCO. UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. June 30, 2023. Images provided by & copyright © UNESCO/Christelle ALIX.
Paris, June 30, 2023 — On June 8, 2023, the United States sent a letter to the Director-General of UNESCO, proposing to rejoin the Organization as early as July based on a concrete financial plan, which includes a commitment to repay its estimated arrears of $619 million.
“It’s a great day for UNESCO and multilateralism. Building upon the momentum achieved in recent years, our Organization is again moving towards universalism with this return of the United States,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay remarked.
UNESCO’s 193 member states met on Thursday for an extraordinary session of the General Conference to examine this proposal. On Friday afternoon, they adopted the American proposal by a vast majority. It fulfills all the conditions for a total return of the United States to UNESCO in July. (132 Votes in Favor, 10 Votes Against).
• A Reinforced Budget to implement its Mandate
The United States will fund the equivalent of 22% of the Organization’s regular budget. To this will be added the progressive payment of their arrears and, as of 2023, voluntary contributions to fund programs, including those supporting access to education and the protection of journalists.
Thus, UNESCO will benefit from a reinforced budget to implement its education, culture, science, and information programs. It will also be able to step up its actions for Africa and gender equality, two of its strategic priorities.
• A Return that Underscores UNESCO’s Central Role
Elected to head the Organization in November 2017, Audrey Azoulay has led mediations to ease political tensions and find consensus on the most sensitive topics, such as the Middle East. She has also reformed the Organization to make it more efficient.
“UNESCO’s Mandate - education, science, culture, freedom of information - is central to meeting the challenges of the 21st century. This centrality, as well as the easing of political tensions within the Organization and the initiatives launched in recent years, have led the United States to initiate this return,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay stated.
UNESCO has thus been able to launch new initiatives enabling it to fully grasp the challenges of today - such as the ethics of artificial intelligence and the protection of oceans.
In a letter sent to UNESCO’s Director-General at the beginning of June, the United States refers to these reforms and initiatives among the reasons for its return.
Source: UNESCO
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— The Editor is a Higher Education Consultant certified by the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning in Paris.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:47 AM | View the original post
June 24, 2023
IMF Managing Director emphasizes the need for mutual support and cooperation in a rapidly changing, tense world at the Paris Summit Closing Press Conference.
Photo: Managing Director of the IMF Kristalina Georgieva meets with King Felipe VI of Spain at the International Monetary Fund in Washington. December 02. 2022. Washington, DC, United States. IMF Photo/Joshua Roberts. (File Photo)
Paris, June 24, 2023 — During the Paris Summit Closing Press Conference, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stressed the urgent need for mutual support in the ever-changing world. Unfortunately, she said, we face more frequent and severe shocks, which leads to heightened tensions.
“While our economy has shown resilience in the face of challenges such as COVID and war, it has come at a cost. Interest rates have risen, debt burdens are growing, and living costs are high. Unfortunately, poverty and inequality are also on the rise.”
“The climate crisis is upon us and disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable countries that have contributed the least to the problem.”
“We must act decisively to address these issues. To do so, we need strong leadership.”
“I support the call to reduce the debt burden on countries that experience exogenous shocks,” the IMF MD said.
“The Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable is a positive step that combines traditional Paris Club creditors and non-Paris Club creditors such as China, India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, the private sector, and debtor countries. She remarked that we must address the correlation between debt and climate and work on debt-for-climate swaps.”
“The IMF has integrated climate considerations into all our work, recognizing that climate is macro-critical. We advocate for carbon pricing to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius target by 2030. We propose a fair carbon price floor where poorer countries pay less, middle-income countries pay more, and rich countries pay the highest price. There is progress towards this goal, with carbon pricing now covering around 25% of global emissions. We still have a long way to go, but where there is a will, there is a way,” the IMF Chief stated.
Ms. Georgieva said that Financing is a crucial topic for the IMF. “We recently introduced a new instrument called the Resilience and Sustainability Trust, offering long-term, affordable Financing with a 20-year repayment period and a 10-and-a-half-year grace period, a first in IMF history.”
“We fulfilled our 2021 pledge of US$100 billion in SDR channeling, with approximately US$60 billion already in use in the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust and the Resilience and Sustainability Trust. This funding has made a significant difference.”
“As I reflect on my time at the IMF, I recall visiting the hotel in Bretton Woods where it all began, with only 44 countries and all-male delegations, most arriving by boat. Today, the world has more than doubled in the number of countries and more than tripled in population, with global GDP increasing more than tenfold. We must adapt to these changes and commit to a more inclusive, representative, and well-resourced future. As a dedicated and empathetic assistant, I am committed to serving our members with the utmost professionalism and look forward to continuing our work together,” Kristalina Georgieva concluded.
The summit in Paris on June 22-23 brought together heads of state, financial institutions, and members of civil society to address inequality, climate change, and biodiversity. The aim was to reform the international monetary system and create a fairer, more sustainable future. Roundtable discussions focused on debt solutions, green infrastructure, and climate finance. The summit established principles for future financial reforms and created a more balanced financial partnership between the North and South. The main goal was to reduce the climate, economic, and technological gaps that divide the world and build prosperity and security for every country.
The summit took place at three Paris venues: the Palais Brongniart, UNESCO, and the OECD.
Source: IMF
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:46 PM | View the original post
June 21, 2023
International Day of Yoga at UN HeadquartersÂ
Photos: The International Day of Yoga observation with a yoga session attended by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, at the North Lawn at UN Headquarters. June 21, 2023. New York. United States of America. UN Photos/Mark Garten.
Source: United Nations
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:23 PM | View the original post
June 17, 2023
Pune, India, is set to host the fourth Education Working Group Meeting of the G20 Countries, attended by Education Ministers and Representatives from UNESCO.
Pune, June 16, 2023 — India’s Ministry of Education will host the 4th G20 Education Working Group Meeting in Pune, Maharashtra, on June 20-21, 2023. Eighty-five delegates from G20 member countries and esteemed organizations such as UNESCO will attend. A seminar and exhibition themed “Ensuring Foundational Literacy and Numeracy” will be held at Savitribai Phule Pune University on June 19. The event will include keynote addresses, panel discussions, and a multimedia exhibition showcasing the best education and skill development practices.
Source: Ministry of Education, Government of India
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:35 AM | View the original post
June 12, 2023
The United States of America has announced its intention to rejoin UNESCO.
Photo: UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announces the USA’s intention to rejoin UNESCO. June 12, 2023. UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. Image provided by & copyright © UNESCO/Christelle ALIX.
Paris, June 12, 2023 - UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, announced today that the United States of America had officially notified her of its intent to rejoin the organization in July. This decision follows USA’s concrete financing plan welcomed by UNESCO representatives from 193 member countries.
In a letter to the Director-General, the U.S. Department of State expressed satisfaction with UNESCO’s modernized management and reduced political tensions in recent years. UNESCO’s initiatives have enabled the organization to reconnect with its historical ambitions. These initiatives include tackling contemporary challenges such as the ethics of artificial intelligence and ocean protection. Additionally, administrative reforms implemented since 2018 have made UNESCO more efficient and financially sound.
The return of the United States to UNESCO was made possible by a congressional agreement in December 2022 authorizing financial contributions to the organization. The U.S. suspended its contributions in 2011 due to domestic legislation before notifying UNESCO of its decision to withdraw legally on October 12, 2017.
The UNESCO Administration must now submit the proposed financing plan to the UNESCO Member States General Conference for approval. Certain Member States have requested that an extraordinary session be held soon for a taking a decision.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay remarked that the United States’ decision to rejoin the organization is a vital act of confidence in UNESCO, its multilateralism, and the centrality of its mandate in culture, education, science, and information.
Source: UNESCO, Paris
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— The Editor is a UNESCO-IIEP-qualified Higher Education Consultant.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:04 PM | View the original post
June 11, 2023
United Nations Security Council Meets on Threats to International Peace and SecurityÂ
Photo: Christian Ritscher, Special Adviser and Head of the Investigative Team established under Security Council resolution, briefs the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security. June 07, 2023. New York. United States of America. UN Photo/Loey Felipe.
Photo: Mohamed Issa Abushahab (center of the table), Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for June, chairs the Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security. June 07, 2023. New York. United States of America. UN Photo/Loey Felipe.
Photo: The UN General Assembly elects five new non-permanent members of the Security Council to serve from January 01, 2024, to December 31, 2025. The Assembly elected Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia. Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia attends the meeting in the General Assembly. June 06, 2023. New York. United States of America. UN Photo/Evan Schneider.
Photo: A comprehensive view of the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security. May 30, 2023. New York. United States of America. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe.
Photo: Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation and President of the UN Security Council for May, chairs the Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security. May 30, 2023. New York. United States of America. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe.
Photo: Tanja Fajon (at podium), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, briefs reporters after Slovenia today was elected a non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2024 - 2025. The General Assembly elected five new non-permanent members of the Security Council to serve from January 01, 2024, through December 31, 2025. The Assembly elected Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia. June 07, 2023. New York. United States of America. UN Photo/Loey Felipe.
Source: United Nations, New York
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“If they want peace, nations should avoid the pin-pricks that precede cannon shots.”
— Napoleon Bonaparte.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:57 AM | View the original post
